Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia-A Wonderful Destination

Volume 7-Our Trip Continues to the Highlands of Nova Scotia

Welcome back. Sunday morning (July 31) we left Prince Edward and headed to our next destination. You may have guessed Nova Scotia but most likely not Cape Breton.

Nova Scotia is a beautiful province, no doubt about it. We have visited much of it over the years but a lot still remains to be explored . We have been to Cape Breton 2 times previously, the last being in 2000. Yup, a long time ago. Both previous trips involved our popup camper with the kids.

Cape Breton is Stunning

I still remember our first visit there, it was around 1990. My daughter was just 4 and we had our first popup camper. We were camping in Chéticamp at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

After setting up the camper, my wife and daughter decided a nap was in order. I decided to take a drive up the road which is the Cabot Trail, a scenic highway on the island. This 186 mile road meanders through the Cape Breton Highlands and is nothing short of spectacular.

The scenery driving up to Chéticamp was beautiful. When I entered the national park just up the road from the campground, I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was breathtaking.

The best way to describe Cape Breton is mountains by the sea. The highest elevation is around 1700 feet. The road is literally like a roller coaster. The views of the ocean and mountains is unprecedented and the numerous pull offs provide many opportunities to absorb the beauty.

A Long History

Cape Breton was originally inhabited by the Mi’kmaq people. No permanent European settlement was established until the French founded the Fortress of Louisbourg in 1717. In 1745 the British aided by a New England Colonial force overtook Louisbourg.

So Much to Explore

On the day we arrived (July 31st) we drove up to Chéticamp and then took in the Western part of the trail which hugs the coast, then climbs up the highlands to French Lake. We then backtracked to Baddeck to our hotel.

Yesterday August 1st we headed up the Eastern side of the Cabot Trail to Cape North. Again, the many pull offs provided wonderful photos and even a few boardwalk trails.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Until next time. We also spent today, August 2nd here in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. More to come.